Episode 1, originally transmitted on BBC1, 8 February 1978

Morning on the first day of a new school year at Grange Hill comprehensive. The caretaker unlocks the school gates. First to enter is Benny Green. Various children are in the process of getting ready for school. Judy Preston is attempting to fake a stomachache. 'Tucker' Jenkins' mum tries to get him to straighten his tie. Trisha Yates is arguing with her mum over what she can wear for school.

At school, children rush through the gates. The new first years make their way to the main hall. One girl is very late. Inside the main hall Mrs Monroe splits the children into their form classes. Meanwhile, Tucker flicks bits of paper at various children until he is caught by a teacher and reprimanded. One pupil is missing. Finally, all the pupils bar one are gathered with Mr Mitchell as he takes them to their classroom.

Outside school, three older girls send the missing girl, Anne Wilson, in the wrong direction. Back in the main hall, all the names have been read out, leaving just Tucker left in the hall. Mrs Monroe takes him to the school office.

The pupils of Form 1 Alpha arrive at their classroom and sit at their desks. Mr Mitchell quizzes Benny Green over his lack of a uniform, to be told that his mum can't afford one. Mr Mitchell discovers that he is one pupil short. Tucker and Mrs Monroe arrive at the school office, while Anne Wilson confronts the three girls who earlier sent her the wrong way.

Back in the classroom, the pupils get to know one another. Tucker, though, is still standing outside of the school office, until Mrs Monroe sees him and takes him to his new class. On the way they run into Anne Wilson. When they arrive at the classroom Mr Mitchell directs them to their desks. As Tucker sits at his desk, he flicks up Trisha Yates' ruler. She returns the favour by whacking him over the head with it.